Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background?
I’m Dr. Alexandra Marriggi Potter, though my patients often call me Dr. Alex. I was born and raised in Plains, Pennsylvania, and spent much of my childhood involved in sports, primarily soccer, but also track and basketball. I also played the piano growing up and am hoping to start playing again soon.
Where did you attend school and what degrees or certifications do you hold?
Graduated with a Bachelors Degree from Temple University in 2015, I then moved to Florida to begin my Chiropractic Degree. I graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2018 with a Doctorate in Chiropractic. While at Palmer I had the privilege to learn the “Palmer Package” of adjusting techniques as well as additional, elective coursework in Soft Tissue Therapies, Flexion/Distraction Technique, Activator and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM/Graston) as well as being the Vice President of the Pediatrics Club on Campus.
How long have you been practicing chiropractic care?
I graduated from Palmer in 2018 and have been in practice since 2019. 6+ years!!
What office do you work out of and what is your role there?
I am an Associate Doctor of Chiropractic and I work in both our Middletown and Harrisburg locations. I also help to plan some of our community/social gatherings. I am also responsible for Wellness initiatives in our offices.
What inspired you to become a chiropractor? My dad was in a major motor vehicle accident when I was younger, and he had chiropractic care after his accident which helped restore his quality of life greatly.
Also at the time, when I was exploring possible careers in healthcare after graduating from Temple, my brother-in-law was enrolling at Palmer Florida and seeing how much he enjoyed chiropractic made me pursue the profession, and soon enough I was applying to Palmer Florida!
Dr Alex and her brother-in-law, Dr Mickey, who also works at The Hetrick Center
How long have you been with The Hetrick Center?
Five Years this July
What sets your practice apart from others in the area?
My personality. I like to take the time to sit and interact with my patients during each of their visits. It makes it easier for patients to open up when they are comfortable.
What do you enjoy most about working with patients?
I enjoy meeting and talking with my patients from all walks of life and ages. I am much a people person, so I like to connect with my patients on a personal level. Sometimes people are nervous about coming to the chiropractor for the first time, so I take the time during their first visit to be as open with them as they will allow, in hopes that they will have a more pleasant experience of ‘going to the doctor’.
What specific chiropractic techniques or approaches do you specialize in?
“Palmer Package” which is a combination of Diversified, Thompson, Gonstead, Activator, for better lack of works, both manual and lighter force adjustments. I also use Kinesio “KT” Tape, Hypervolt/HyperIce Massage Products, Graston/IASTM and Therapeutic Stretching.
Are there any particular conditions or injuries you focus on treating?
No, I do not focus on any particular conditions/injuries. I see patients ranging from infancy to older age patients, including athletes, pregnant women, servicemen and industry. In school we would say “ from the womb to the tomb”.
Dr Alex was adjusted regularly, by our other providers, during her own recent pregnancy.
How do you tailor treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient?
I listen to patients at their initial evaluation and we will discuss what kind of care that each patient will need. Every patient does not get the same treatment. The Hetrick Center is integrated which means we offer physical therapy, and massage therapy in addition to chiropractic care. If patients are not meeting expectations through periodic evaluations, we do not hesitate to refer the patients out.
Can you share some success stories or positive outcomes you’ve seen in your practice?
Do you incorporate any holistic or wellness practices into your treatments?
Most Definitely. I like to discuss activity levels with my patients, encouraging them to take charge of their own wellness, whether it is physical, mental or emotional. I do recommend supplements to patients. Acupuncture and Yoga is always something I refer my patients to as they have much success.
How do you stay current with the latest chiropractic techniques and research?
Reading Chiropractic Journals and attending Chiropractic Seminars/Conferences to further my knowledge and stay up to date with the most recent research and techniques. I also enjoy meeting with old classmates and networking with colleagues nearby.
Here at The Hetrick Center, we participate in quarterly ‘workshops’ together with our chiropractic team and our physical therapy department, in which we discuss musculoskeletal conditions/treatments, discuss current treatment protocols and work together on how to provide our community with the best care.
Can you explain how chiropractic care can benefit overall health and wellness?
Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, striving to improve physical performance, or simply aiming to enhance your overall quality of life, chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to achieving your health goals. Chiropractic care is not just about treating pain; it’s about empowering individuals to live their best lives by optimizing health and well-being from the inside out. From relieving pain and improving mobility to enhancing mental clarity and sleep quality, chiropractic care offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond the spine.
What advice would you give to someone considering chiropractic care for the first time?
Everyone has different views on chiropractic so it doesn’t hurt to ask your friends/family, or even your local Facebook groups, but just remember everyone is entitled to their own opinion. SO Ask questions, and do your own research, so you can make an educated choice about YOUR health!
What is a common misconception about chiropractic care that you’d like to address?
The common myth that I would like to address is that “once you start you must continue forever” Here at The Hetrick Center, our goal is to create a treatment plan that is individualized to you and your complaints. Some patients require a series of adjustments to correct an issue while others may benefit from periodic maintenance care to preserve their health. Our staff at The Hetrick Center is here to provide you the care and recommendations to support your health goals, whether it is short-term relief or long term wellness.
What do you do in your free time? Do you have any fun hobbies or interests?
In my free time, I like to read, cook, and spend time with my family and friends, and dog, Alfred. I like to run, sometimes, hoping to start training for my second half marathon! My husband and I enjoy traveling and exploring new and old places, and we look forward to traveling with our daughter this upcoming year!
